In order to make sure that the Supreme Court’s order banning sale of firecrackers in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) is implemented, the Delhi Police have taken several strict measures, including setting up of a cybercrime team, to monitor and prevent online sale and purchase of crackers.
Delhi Police Public Relations Officer Madhur Verma said, “The sole job of the cybercrime team is to check if anyone is indulging in online sale of firecrackers which has become easy these days”. The police have also set up special teams in all the 13 districts of the Capital to check illegal selling of firecrackers.
“The officers of the special teams are roaming in civil dress to keep a check in popular markets and other areas,” he said.
Temporary licenses
Every year, the police issue 400-500 temporary licenses to shopkeepers to sell firecrackers, of which nearly 300 were issued before the SC order. However, all the issued licenses were suspended with immediate effect, the officer claimed. “Around 200 shopkeepers in the Capital have permanent licenses which have also been suspended,” the officer said.
According to the police records, a total of 29 First Information Reports have been registered in connection with the case across the Capital and 29 people have been arrested under Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code. Maximum number of cases, which stand at eight, were registered in north district, followed by seven in Rohini and three each in north-west and outer districts among others.
Not only the public are under the radar, the police are also taking strict action against their own officers if their involvement is found in the sale of crackers. Two police officers posted at Mangolpuri police station were suspended for allegedly colluding with a shopkeeper in the illegal sale. “An inquiry has been initiated against the officers and legal action will be taken based on the findings,” Mr.Verma said.
Sources said that district Deputy Commissioners of Police held meetings with Resident Welfare Committees to ensure that residents and local shopkeepers do not indulge in unlawful activities.
